Established Camping
Olive Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest
Campers are Saying
Olive Lake Campground, near Umatilla National Forest, is a serene spot that offers a peaceful escape for campers looking to unwind. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it’s a great place to set up camp and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding the lake.
The campground features a well-maintained boat dock and ramp, making it easy for visitors to enjoy swimming and fishing. Many campers have praised the lakeside campsites, noting that they provide a nice sense of privacy and beautiful views. As one visitor put it, “The water was beautiful!”
For those who enjoy hiking, there’s a trail that loops around the lake, which some say is a bit longer than advertised, so be prepared for a good trek. The area is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
While amenities are limited—there are no electric hookups or showers—campers appreciate the clean facilities and the abundance of firewood available. Whether you’re here for a quiet weekend or a fun-filled family trip, Olive Lake Campground offers a refreshing retreat in nature.
General Overview
USDA Forest Service
Umatilla National Forest
Overview
Nestled on the edge of a lake, high in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, this popular campground is only 8 miles west of the historic Fremont Powerhouse and 12 miles west of the old mining town of Granite. The campground features 28 campsites and 7 accessible toilet facilities. Other features include a 2-mile hiking trail around the lake with nearby access to wilderness and scenic area trails, a boat ramp and 2 docks. There is no potable water or garbage service, so please pack your garbage home.____ Besides beautiful scenery, the lake offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing--particularly a nesting pair of osprey that return annually. Activities in this area include fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, hunting, and photography. Within 20 miles are several historic sites.
Recreation
A 2-mile hiking trail encircles the lake, providing access to more secluded spots where solitude can be enjoyed. Bicyclists can also enjoy the trail although there are a couple of spots bikes might need to be walked, depending on skill level. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee and crawfish boils are a popular dinner option. There are 2 boat docks adjacent to the campground, as well as a boat ramp and trailer parking. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but wakes and jet skis are not allowed. There are opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. Mushroom and berry picking are available in season. Other nearby trails access the North John Day Wilderness Area and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area. An interpretive sign about the beetle infestation is located in a few spots within the campground.
Facilities
A 2-mile hiking trail encircles the lake, providing access to more secluded spots where solitude can be enjoyed. Bicyclists can also enjoy the trail although there are a couple of spots bikes might need to be walked, depending on skill level. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, brook trout, and kokanee and crawfish boils are a popular dinner option. There are 2 boat docks adjacent to the campground, as well as a boat ramp and trailer parking. Motorized boats are allowed on the lake, but wakes and jet skis are not allowed. There are opportunities for viewing wildlife such as deer, elk, bear, river otters, and osprey. Mushroom and berry picking are available in season. Other nearby trails access the North John Day Wilderness Area and Vinegar Hill Scenic Area. An interpretive sign about the beetle infestation is located in a few spots within the campground.
Nearby Attractions
The area around Olive Lake is rich in history. The dam and gates on the north side of the lake were constructed as part of a hydroelectric system to support gold mining activities within the northern Blue Mountain Region. Historically, water from the lake flowed through a wooden pipeline to the Fremont Powerhouse, where it was used to produce electricity for mines and towns in the area. Fremont Powerhouse is located approximately 7 miles east and the historic moning town of Granite is 12 miles east of Olive Lake along Forest Road 73.__
Location
Olive Lake Campground (Or) — Umatilla National Forest is located in Oregon
Directions
From Ukiah, OR travel south to County Road 1475 (turns into Forest Service Road 52 after 5 miles). Go about 48.5 mile to the town of Granite. Instead of entering the town, turn right onto County Road 24/Forest Service Road (FSR) 10 and travel about 3.5 miles to the end of the pavement. Follow the gravel road up to the right (FSR 10). Travel about 9 miles on FSR 10. Turn right on FSR 1000480 and travel about 1/4 miles into the campground.
Coordinates
44.78344788 N
118.5951752 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
